immunosuppressive
/ˌɪmjənoʊsəˈprɛsɪv/
adjective
- Relating to or causing the reduction of the body's ability to fight infection and disease, especially by weakening the immune system.
- The patient was given immunosuppressive drugs after the organ transplant to prevent rejection.
- Long-term use of immunosuppressive medications can increase the risk of infections.
- Some autoimmune diseases are treated with immunosuppressive therapy to calm the overactive immune response.
noun
- A drug or agent that suppresses the immune system.
- Researchers are developing new immunosuppressives that are more targeted and have fewer side effects.
- The doctor prescribed an immunosuppressive to help the patient's body accept the new kidney.
- Many immunosuppressives have side effects like nausea and increased susceptibility to colds.